{
  "id": 1487091,
  "title": "Gravis Robotics gets $200M from SoftBank to retrofit excavators with self-driving AI systems",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/gravis-robotics-gets-200m-from-softbank-to-retrofit-excavators-with",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-08-17T13:00:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SiliconANGLE",
    "slug": "siliconangle",
    "url": "https://siliconangle.com/2026/08/17/gravis-robotics-gets-200m-funding-softbank-retrofit-excavators-self-driving-ai-systems/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Gravis Robotics has secured a staggering $200 million investment from SoftBank Group Corp., marking the largest Series A funding round for a construction robotics startup. Founded in 2022 as a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Gravis has developed intelligent software for heavy excavators, transforming them into self-operating machinery capable of autonomous navigation and work on construction sites. The construction industry's urgent need for automation is evident, given the labor shortages and aging workforce. Gravis aims to overcome technical challenges by training AI models in simulated environments, allowing the machines to understand the physical feedback of human operators. The Gravis Rack, a 30% productivity-boosting autonomous control system, can be retrofitted onto existing excavators from major manufacturers. The system includes sensors, cameras, and a lidar sensor to enhance precision. A Wi-Fi transmitter and GPS module ensure seamless data transmission and location accuracy. With Gravis Rack deployed across job sites worldwide, the company set its sights on rapid expansion, securing a $8 million contract in the U.K. for retrofitting excavator fleets.",
  "summary": "Gravis Robotics AG said today it has bagged $200 million in funding from SoftBank Group Corp. in what is the largest-ever Series A round for a construction robotics startup. The startup was founded in 2022 after being spun out of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, having developed intelligent, software-defined systems for heavy excavators. […] The post Gravis Robotics gets $200M…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}